Russell Brewing Company The Ex Black IPA at 6% ABV | 70 IBU (C$5.69 at Willow Park Wine & Spirits, 650 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 23-Feb-2018, reviewed 24-Feb-2018)
Appearance: clear brown with two fat fingers (and growing) of rocky beige head, excellent retention and moderate lacing. (4/5) Aroma: lightly burnt toast, stone fruit, mild citrus, chocolate. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-high bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, off-dry medium duration lingering bitter finish. (4/5)
This is a brilliant name for this style, because I had a brief and frankly embarrassing intense fling with it before becoming utterly disillusioned. And, seriously, seeing the phrase “best served cold as ice” on a label is a huge warning flag, even if I am taking it ever so slightly out of context. Picking on the label some more, this is certainly malty, but not all that refreshing. (15/20)
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
